Al Roker Expresses Gratitude to Hoda Kotb for Introducing Her 'Sweet' Daughters to Him

Al Roker Thanks Today Cohost Hoda Kotb for Bringing Her Daughters Haley and Hope Into My Life 278

Courtesy of Al Roker/Instagram

Al Roker expressed his gratitude for Today cohost Hoda Kotb's daughters, Haley and Hope. He shared a post on Instagram on Friday, April 26, reminiscing about Take Your Daughters To Work Day. In the post, Roker, 69, included a series of photos with Kotb, 59, Hayley, 7, and Hope, 4. He mentioned how the day brought back fond memories with his "daughters" Haley and Hope, thanking Kotb for bringing these two sweet girls into his life.

In one photo, the coworkers posed with the kids on set, while another showed Roker holding their hands backstage. A third snap revealed Haley hugging her mother as Roker smiled behind Hope.

One fan wrote in the comments section of Roker’s post, “Why is this post making me tear up!! So sweet!!! What a special day for all of you,” while another added, “So sweet! They have grown so fast! They are blessed to have you in their lives.”

The Today set was filled with joy on Thursday, April 25, as several employees brought their children for Take Your Kid to Work Day. Kotb, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer all brought their kids to the show. Melvin's son, Delano, is 10 years old, and Dreyer's eldest son, Calvin, is 7.

Kotb's family has grown in recent years. In 2017, she adopted Haley, and in 2019, she adopted Hope while in a relationship with Joel Schiffman. The couple got engaged in 2019 but unfortunately ended their relationship in 2022.

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Despite their separation, Kotb and Schiffman have continued to co-parent amicably. In a 2022 interview with We, the TV host shared her desire to instill strength in her daughters.

"I really want to focus on helping my girls find their voices," she expressed. "Encouraging them to speak up for their needs and desires without feeling selfish or overly assertive."

She continued by sharing her thoughts on the importance of encouraging girls to be vocal and express themselves without fear of conforming to societal expectations. As she reflected on her own upbringing, she realized that she was often quieted and encouraged to be a "good girl" instead of speaking up for herself. She wants her daughters to feel empowered to voice their opinions and desires confidently.

On the other hand, Roker has children from different relationships. He shares a daughter, Courtney, aged 35, with his ex-wife Alice Bell. Additionally, he has two children, Leila, 25, and Nick, 21, with his current wife Deborah Roberts. In July 2023, Roker became a grandfather when Courtney and her husband, Wesley Laga, welcomed their daughter, Sky.

“Guess who’s 9 months old today? Wow, that was fast!” Roker gushed via Instagram earlier this month alongside a pic of baby Sky.

Editor's P/S:

Al Roker's heartfelt post on Instagram captures the special bond he shares with his "daughters," Haley and Hope, daughters of his Today cohost, Hoda Kotb. Roker's words express his gratitude for the joy and fulfillment these girls bring to his life. The photos accompanying the post depict the love and laughter they share, creating a heartwarming testament to the importance of family and the power of relationships that transcend traditional boundaries.

This article also highlights the importance of fostering a supportive environment for girls to develop their voices and express themselves freely. Kotb's reflections on her own upbringing and her aspirations for her daughters resonate with many parents who strive to empower their children to be confident and assertive. Her words serve as a reminder that nurturing the development of strong, independent girls is crucial for shaping their future success and well-being.